That annoying comment lives rent-free in my head.
live rent-free in someone's head
idiomTo be the perpetual focus of someone's thoughts, with that person having no control over this situation.
Origin
first recorded 20th c.Often attributed to American advice columnist Eppie Lederer (1918–2002), who used it in her syndicated advice column in 1990.
Even though the argument ended weeks ago, his rude words still live rent-free in my head.
Despite her efforts to move on, the memory of that failure continues to live rent-free in her head, haunting her every time she attempts a new project.
- 01
another nail in someone's coffin
An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.
- 02
answer someone's prayers
To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 03
answer to someone's prayers
Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 04
apple of someone's eye
The object of somebody's affections; a person (or sometimes a thing) that someone strongly prefers; a favorite, a loved one.
- 05
bane of someone's existence
Someone or something that poses a significant problem to someone.
- 06
bang one's head against a brick wall
To waste effort on a futile project.
- 07
bang some heads together
Attempt to get results from a previously ineffectual or argumentative group, typically by coercion or force.
- 08
bash someone's face in
To beat someone violently.
Last updated July 12, 2026